Lesson 3 - Dodging and Evasion Skills
Skill Mastery & Sportsmanship
•Year 6
•Dodgeball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our bodies as powerful evasion tools to outmaneuver opponents and stay in the game?
Learning Objectives
- To develop and apply sophisticated dodging, jumping and ducking techniques to avoid being hit
- To select and execute the most appropriate evasion skill based on ball trajectory and speed
- To demonstrate tactical awareness and decision-making under pressure
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently execute multiple evasion techniques with precision timing
- Students will make split-second tactical decisions about which evasion skill to use
- Students will maintain spatial awareness while under pressure from multiple directions
Equipment & Resources Required
Used for marking court boundaries and skill practice areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, or boundary lines
Ensure balls are appropriate size and softness for Year 6 students
Alternative: Foam balls, soft-touch balls, or tennis balls for safety
For timing activities and monitoring rest periods
Alternative: Phone timer or wall clock
To ensure accurate distances for throwing zones
Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones
Key Vocabulary
The act of avoiding or escaping from danger through skilful movement
The path a ball follows through the air from thrower to target
Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms out for balance
Understanding where you are in relation to boundaries, opponents, and teammates
Making a quick choice when you have very little time to think
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic understanding of dodgeball rules from previous lessons
- Fundamental movement skills - running, jumping, changing direction
- Initial awareness of spatial positioning
Current Skills
- Advanced evasion techniques - jumping, ducking, sidestepping
- Tactical decision-making under pressure
- Reading ball trajectory and speed
- Maintaining 360-degree awareness
Next Steps
- Advanced catching techniques
- Strategic team positioning
- Offensive throwing tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet for instant movement
- Keep head up and eyes tracking the ball at all times during evasion
- Select evasion technique based on ball height: jump for high, duck for shoulders, sidestep for body
- Use small, quick movements rather than large commitments that lose balance
- Never turn your back on opponents - maintain 360-degree awareness
- Practice honest play and immediate team switching when eliminated
- Focus on quality technique over desperate movements
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking bigger evasion movements are always better - actually small, quick adjustments are more effective
- Believing you should watch your feet while dodging - eyes must stay on the ball
- Assuming the same evasion works for all ball heights - technique selection is crucial
- Thinking dodgeball is just about avoiding balls - spatial awareness and positioning are equally important
- Believing aggressive play is more effective - controlled, honest play leads to better outcomes
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, positive behaviour recognition system
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls for practice, simplified evasion techniques, extra practice time for coordination
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet rest zones available, consistent routine structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with sound-making properties, verbal ball trajectory descriptions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for commands, written rule summaries, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques
physical disability
- Seated dodging variations, modified throwing distances, alternative evasion methods using available mobility
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles and trajectory calculations, timing and speed measurements, spatial geometry in court positioning
Science
Forces and motion - ball physics, human body systems during exercise, reaction times and nervous system
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and territories, direction and movement concepts
PSHE
Honesty and integrity in competitive situations, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activity areas to observe all students, position near high-activity zones during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct evasion technique, appropriate throwing height, sportsmanship behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for head-height throws, address unsporting behaviour quickly, support struggling students with technique
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstrations, contrast good vs poor examples, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes up, watch the ball!'
- •'Quick feet, stay ready!'
- •'Below shoulders only!'
- •'Honest play everyone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no loose objects or trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Dodgeballs appropriate size and softness for Year 6
- •Cones with rounded edges and stable base
- •Check balls for correct inflation - not over-inflated
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head/face area
- •Collisions between students during evasion
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Over-exertion during continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Strictly enforce below-shoulder throwing rule
- •Maintain adequate spacing during all activities
- •Teach proper evasion techniques to prevent falls
- •Monitor students for signs of fatigue
- •Use soft, appropriate-sized balls only
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
- •Monitor throwing height continuously
- •Watch for over-aggressive play or unsporting behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure injured student is safely removed from activity area